SPRINGFIELD – A 70-year-old city man, known on the streets as “The Preacher,” was arrested by police in a McKnight neighborhood park on Sunday night and charged with making lewd comments to a 7-year-old girl and her 9-year-old sister.

Sgt. John M. Delaney said that Randolph Lester, of 116 Woodside Terrace, attempted to entice the girls in Magazine Park. He was arrested about 8 p.m. at Lincoln and Magazine streets.

Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said several adult witnesses also observed Lester grab an 8-year-old boy by the neck and place him in a headlock.

“The little boy’s brother punched the “Preacher” so he could break loose his brother,” Delaney said.

Delaney said Lester is frequently seen soliciting money while standing on traffic islands and street corners. He frequently wears a priest collar, however is not known to be affiliated with any church, Delaney said.

Lester was charged with enticing a person under 16 and accosting a person of the opposite sex, Delaney said.

At his arraignment Monday in Springfield District Court, Lester pleaded innocent. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to appear in court for a pre-trial conference on Sept. 21.